President Obama's First 100 Days

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

It is to our displeasure that President Obama has decided to not continue in the most recent of traditions by hosting an event in the East Room of the White House on what has been designated as the National Day of Prayer.

"Prayer is something that the president does everyday," White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday, noting that Obama will sign a proclamation to recognize the day, as many administrations in the past have done.

Asked if Obama thought his predecessor's ceremonies were politicized, Gibbs said, "No, I'm not going to get into that again.

"I think the president understands, in his own life and in his family's life, the role that prayer plays." The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance for people of all faiths.

Under the Bush administration, the White House hosted an interfaith service each year, inviting protestant, Catholic and Jewish leaders for an event at the East Room.

President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush also marked the day with a White House observance. President Harry Truman first established the day as a national event in 1952. Reagan signed a resolution in 1988 to observe the National Day of Prayer each year on the first Thursday in May, and each president since has recognized this day with a proclamation.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force, a privately funded organization that focuses on mobilizing the Christian community, says it's disappointed in this year's toned down observance, but other groups say the president needs to go a step farther -- and ignore the day altogether."It's not his job to tell people to pray," said David Silverman, national spokesperson for the organization American Atheists.

"We are very happy he did away with the George W. Bush-era celebrations and party, but we wish he wouldn't do it at all. ... When church and state are separate, separate is separate," he said.

Although there are no public events scheduled at the White House, representatives from the legislative and judicial branches are expected to attend an event the National Day of Prayer Task Force is holding on Capitol Hill.

But, despite numerous attempts to get a representative from the executive office to attend, "it doesn't appear they are going to fulfill our request," said Becky Armstrong, marketing and media manager of the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

"The White House is a small part of what the national day of prayer is all about. Tomorrow there will be dozens of events held in our nation's capitol and governors from all 50 states have already issued proclamations recognizing the National Day of Prayer," Armstrong said.

Although we respect the wishes of President Obama, we remain however concerned that this will facilitate a pulling away of the day of prayer in the years to come altogether. We will remain in prayer.

I think its safe to say that The White House has had to reverse its initial decision of not releasing the now classified photos of the aircraft used as Air Force One as it flew over NYC for a photo op several weeks ago. They have now indicated that a report and a photo from the controversial low-altitude New York flyover by a 747 plane used as Air Force One could be released soon.

"The report, I believe, will be concluded at some point this week. We'll release its findings and release a photo," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said during his daily press briefing.The review, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina, will focus on "why that decision was made and to ensure that it never happens again," Gibbs said.

The flyover, officials said, was a training mission — it was also a classified government-sanctioned photo shoot. Military officials also estimate that the mission and the photo shoot, aimed updating file photos of Air Force One — cost around $328,835 in taxpayer money. We often pray for the wisdom of those in position to make decisions that often affect us as well as our daily lives, however, this decision, was a bone head idea over the city where the World Trade Center was demolished.

We are anticipating the released photos from the White House and will make them available for viewing right here.

We wanted to pull this report together and check your thoughts on this issue. An issue raised last week by former Secretary of State and republican, Colin Powell when made some comments about Rush Limbaugh's present role as quasi "republican spokesperson".

Rush Limbaugh fired back at Colin Powell for his critical comments earlier this week, saying Wednesday that the former secretary of state should join the Democratic Party.

"What Colin Powell needs to do is close the loop and become a Democrat instead of claiming to be a Republican interested in reforming the Republican Party," Limbaugh said on his radio show Wednesday.

Limbaugh also took aim at Powell's decision to endorse President Obama over John McCain during the presidential election, repeating his earlier sentiment that Powell's move was "solely based on race."

"He's just mad at me because I'm the one person in the country who had the guts to explain his endorsement of Obama," Limbaugh said. "It was purely and solely based on race."

During a speech on Monday, Powell said the "the Republican Party is in deep trouble" and said the GOP would be better off without Limbaugh, according to a report by the National Journal."I think what Rush does as an entertainer diminishes the party and intrudes or inserts into our public life a kind of nastiness that we would be better to do without," Powell said.

Surely we all understand that what is going on with the republican party has occurred before in past times, but has also been the fate of the democratic party in modern history as well. Evidently, this is one of those slumps whereby the party out of power has to redefine itself to become more relevant to the electorate. However, what do you think the republican's need to do to become more of a suitable political organization for those it currently seems impossible to lure?

Friday, May 1, 2009

Rumors are being placed around Washington, D.C. that Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid had been told by Justice Souter "several weeks ago" that the Justice would be stepping down from the highest court in the nation.

At age 69, the Justice had his fair share of the rumor creation when he failed to appoint Law Clerks to his office for the court's next session which will begin in the fall.

With that said, any other ideas who might have known about the Justices' resignation "several weeks ago"? One guess? Do you honestly believe that Harry Reid, the Senior Senator from Nevada, the Senate Majority Leader in this historic senate would have this piece of information and hold it close to his vest? Do you actually think, he would not tip off this historic presidency under the leadership of the congressional master, Rahm Emanuel, the White House Chief of Staff?

I want to just keep open and real with you...the White House had a head start before the leak and had already began to vett their likely candidates for Souter's replacement. Now of course, this is just the way politics work, but more than that, Senator Reid fully understands that this is the benefit of having your party leader working from the Oval Office.

An the occupant of the Oval Office is fully aware of the benefits of having the benefit the majority of congress behind him with a 60% job approval rating. Its fair to say that former President Bush would not have received that same gracious tid-bit of knowledge had he still occupied the Oval with a Democratic majority, yet, all of this is mere hypothetical anyway now isn't it? (wink...wink..)

Visit us on Twitter: "whitehousepray" and follow along throughout the day as we gather our resources. We want the electorate to stay informed, sure, yet we also want to ensure you know exactly what you ought to pray for when we call upon you each day. Our nation needs us to stand in the gap and be informed. The Lord wants us to come before him boldly, expecting for our nation those things we desire with fully with our hearts.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

The news just hit the wire, credible sources say Justice David Souter has told the White House that he will retire from the highest court in the land, Supreme Court at the end of the court's term in June. Justice Souter was appointed by the previous President Bush, George H.W. Bush back in 1990. I will caution this announcement, since we have not been able to confirm the reports. Currently we are working on confirming this information through one our contacts at the Associated Press here in Washington, D.C.

At age 69, the Justice's failure to appoint law clerks for the upcoming fall session of the court sparked rumors for some time now. From what we have gathered from other news organizations, Justice Souter will remain on the bench until a successor is named to replace him.

This is all important because Souter's retirement from the court would give President Barack Obama his first pick for the high court. Court watchers expect him to choose a woman to join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, currently the only woman on the Supreme Court.

Listen, stay prayed up guys, this is where the wisdom and even tempermant of a patient leader comes to the surface.

Souter has never made any secret of his dislike for Washington, once telling acquaintances he had "the world's best job in the world's worst city." When the court finishes its work for the summer, he quickly departs for his beloved New Hampshire.

He has been on the court since 1990, when he was an obscure federal appeals court judge until President George H.w. Bush tapped him for the Supreme Court.

Each day I ask that we pray for this president and this Administration for many of the obvious reasons, however we never know just how close we often come to danger until we are saved from its clutches and learn of it later.

It was released just moments ago that an Energy Department employee who was part of the security advance team for President Obama's recent trip to Mexico is suspected of having contracted the swine flu virus and transmitting it to his family in Anne Arundel County, the White House said today.

The man is on the staff of Energy Secretary Steven Chu, who traveled with Obama to Mexico on April 16. He is believed to have transmitted the highly contagious virus to his wife, son and nephew, press secretary Robert Gibbs said. The woman and young boys appear to be the three Anne Arundel County residents who, official said yesterday, have tested positive as "probable" victims of the virus.

Neither the president nor Chu experienced any symptoms of the virus, Gibbs said, and White House doctors do not think Obama should be tested. The security staffer "was asked specifically if he ever came within six feet of the president, and the answer was 'no,' " Gibbs said at a news briefing. I admonish you to stay fervent in your prayers for our leadership and those who come in contact with them. This is serious stuff! What the security can't do, our God can.

In the Anne Arundel community of Severna Park, news of the White House connection to the virus spread quickly this morning among parents at Folger McKinsey Elementary, where the security staffer's children attend school. The wife of the staffer reportedly posted a Facebook account of how her family fell ill, parents who had seen the account said.

Gibbs said the man, whose name was not released by the White House, traveled to Mexico City on April 13 as part of Chu's security advance team. He began feeling ill April 16, the day Obama arrived in the Mexican capital for an overnight visit. The staffer developed a fever on April 17, but felt better by the next day, Gibbs said, and returned to the United States April 18.Over the next several days, the man's is believed to have passed the virus to his wife, son and nephew. Officials said the man and his family never displayed more than mild symptoms and all have recovered.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Today we are dealing with H1N1, the virus, or Swine Flu as it has been dubbed. As I blogged on mybarackobama.com/whitehouseprayerteam/ earlier today, I mentioned then that the State of Texas had been confirmed of not only the first death associated with H1N1, but also it served as the home for the 6 other individuals out of nearly 70 recently diagnosed with the virus here in the U.S.

Although there are bleak signs of an economic turn-around, unemployment, according to all the smarty pants folks say that it could rise as high as 10% by the end of the year. To everyday americans, that just means we will continue to lose hundreds of thousands of jobs meanwhile. Chrysler is having to merge with Fiat in order to obtain government aid and General Motors is getting rid of the Pontiac brand in order to shave 21,000 union jobs.

Bad news is all around you but you can't let that prevent you from praying to our God. We must learn to pray amidst the rubble; not just in good times, but in what we perceive as difficult times. The circumstances have changed however, God has not. When its crumbling all around you, don't fail to cry out to God, your saviour.

Tonight, in acknowledgement of his first 100 days in office, President Obama held a press conference at the White House to recap the initial days of the Administration.

44 million americans don't have health care coverage, and another 120 million are paying way too much for it through jobs they are wondering if they are going to lose shortly. Listen, I could go on and on with the negative words and the bad news yanked from more of tomorrow's headlines but instead we ought to think on those things that are good; think on those things that are fruiful and full of life. Our Verse of the Day, Phillipians 4:8 speaks to that reasoning.

When it looks bad, pray. When you feel bad, pray. When your world has tumbled around your ankles, pray amidst the rubble.

Submit your prayer requests by email to: whitehouseprayer@live.com and join us on Facebook see the link on your right in the sidebar.

It was March 4, 1933, and Franklin D. Roosevelt was being sworn in as president after his Democratic Party assumed control of the levers of power in a country deeply troubled by a historic economic collapse. Over the next 3 1/2 months, he would amass a slew of legislative victories, help set in motion the recovery from the Great Depression and establish a new yardstick for chief executives.

Roosevelt accomplished so much during his first 100 days in office, presidential historians have said, that the period soon became the common barometer by which future presidents -- including Barack Obama -- would be measured.

"After the first 100 days of FDR, because so much happened, not only the laws he got passed, but he had changed the mood of the country so they felt more positive and he set the tone for what would become the administration . . . it's part of our culture to be measuring this," said historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. "It's the first measuring mark."

But as critics view President Obama's record through the 100-day prism, some historians are questioning whether the measuring point has any value. Part and parcel because simply, times and conditions in the nation have changed so much that it leaves those same critics analyzing with metrics that no longer exist.

If we were around during the time of FDR, the White House Prayer Team would have been praying for that president and every other president from then until now, however, although many things stay the same, our prayers would have undoubtedly changed throughout the course and spanse of bigger government.

Everything is bigger, including the electorate which just grew even more with the last election cycle. "When FDR became president, the economic situation was so dire that there was a quasi-revolutionary atmosphere in the country," Ron Chernow, a presidential historian said. "So I think that that becomes an unfair yardstick by which to judge Obama. In 1933, what was ideologically possible was much greater than today simply because the degree of despair was much greater. People really don't know how far they want to push reform or how deep-seated the problems are in the country."

The Prayer Team agrees with Princeton historian Sean Wilentz: "Historically, it's just kind of crazy. I think it's completely artificial and of very little use in thinking about any presidency. By the same token, you can talk about what a president has been doing and how a president's early days have gone, and that to me is perfectly all right. But these benchmarks are silly."

Whether its 100 days or 1,000 days as John F. Kennedy attempted to craft without success, Democrat or Republican, we are here to stand behind the office holder and occupant of the White House; to pray for their success over their complete term and petition God for their wisdom, protection and guidance.

*Special Note: Would like to invite you to several forums provided by the White House Prayer Team each day. -FaceBook - see the link to the right of this site and join in with others who follow our dialog and social network.-myBarackObama.com/White House Prayer Team Enjoy our daily blog there!We look forward to you joining our network of believers! In His Service - WHPT

Hard to believe that its been 100 days for the Obama Administration. We've attached a few photos as you can see of the president's first day in office as he entered his office and began to work his way around the West Wing.

A landmark all unto itself, The White House has never and will never be the same. As will this nation, long gone are the memories and hopes of what most thought would never happen. News Flash: Its happened. America has elected, by wide margin to be exact, its first African American President of the United States.

The newness of it all has been more than recorded in history books and in the media, not too mention around the world. Take a look above at the photo slide show of Mr. Obama's first 100 days in office. It is not without some minor mistakes, as expected, however Mr. Obama has received high marks for his efforts and his agenda.

Although the Democratic Party as a whole has not shared in the riches of public approval as much as Mr. Obama. Surely, they have benefited from the president's coat-tails more feasably than the GOP has however, the public so far is affectionate towards the first family and the president, but are cooling to Mr. Obama's policies.

How ever Administration officials can get it, they are willing to take it. With his approval ratings at the high end of the spectrum, and topping the scales of most modern day presidents during their first 100 days, Mr. Obama is crossing off his list, one initiative at a time, per his campaign rhetoric.

We ask that you continue to join with us in our prayers for the success of this Administration for the next 100 days and beyond. There is so much more for us to do so stay with us and commit to praying daily by adding your name to our list at whitehouseprayer@live.com. We will be standing with this president and our current leadership as we pray our way out of the socio-economically charged atmosphere that we currently find ourselves in. Our stance is made strong with you onboard.

Email us your prayer requests as well. As you know, we set aside particular days to pray in concert; on one accord as a team for specific concerns for our nation, yet, don't let that discourage you from adding specific personal request at whitehouseprayer@live.com. We love you and want you to make the best of this day that you have.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Despite these achievements, 46 years since the passage of the Equal Pay Act and 233 years since our Nation was established with the principle of equal justice under law, women across America continue to experience discrimination in the form of pay inequity every day. Women in the United States earn only 78 cents for every dollar a man earns, and today marks the inauspicious occasion when a woman's earnings finally catch up with a man's from the previous year. On National Equal Pay Day, we underscore the importance of this issue to all Americans.

Seeing hope is not always easy. A vision of what you expect and desire continuously looms over us, daily.

With so much negative news just today alone not excluding the Swine Flu epidemic that has already killed hundreds around the world in such a swift manner; while many were attempting to ensure we pronounced correctly, many were already dying.

Car manufacturers are reigning in their designs as well as their unions, tampering down on their profit margins beyond zero as well as adjusting their projections from "success" to "making ends meet". There is more to see than just what you are visualizing. What prayer does is it permits us to pull back from the emotional attache's of the situation and see options, opportunity and hope.

As I stated, seeing hope is not always easy, however, the promise is always with us. There is always a rainbow just over the horizon. This photo used is an ever present indicator of just that. It was taken in the Israel last week along the Gaza Strip amidst constant battles over territory and historical inheritance.

Regardless of your position, if any, in the Israeli-Palestinian border issues, there is a promise to be found. This rainbow captured amidst the rubble of an attack on a home in Gaza proves it.

In addition to praying with us, invite others to do just that. We'd like to send out daily prayer requests that gather all of your comments from the previous day so that your new friends from all over the country will be able to join along with you in prayer over those things that concern you most.

We have friends in Michigan who need us as General Motors restructures itself. Our friends in the west need us as they too grapple with economic woes that has forced tough times on California. See the promise of prayer!

Monday, April 27, 2009

On his job rating, Obama comes out just a little better. But he really stands out on personal qualities. CNN's recent poll of polls, taken April 14-21, shows an average of 64 percent job approval for Obama.

According to Gallup polling examining past presidents' job approval, that's similar to where the last six elected presidents stood after 100 days.Only Ronald Reagan got a slightly higher rating (67 percent). Bill Clinton and the first President Bush were both below 60.

The average for the six recent presidents after 100 days: 61 percent approval. All were in the same general range -- between 55 and 67 percent.They were all elected after the late 1960s, when the great division in American politics emerged. Conservative versus liberal. Red versus blue. Each has taken office with a hard core of supporters and opponents.

New presidents used to come in with a greater reserve of good will. Ratings for John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower were markedly higher after 100 days -- Kennedy 83 percent, Eisenhower 72 percent.

Obama really stands out on personal qualities.After 9/11, the public believed George W. Bush would keep the country safe. Do they think Obama will keep the country safe? Yes -- 71 percent, according to a poll taken for the Associated Press.

Our prayers for this President and this Administration are showing themselves to be fruitful for our nation and the rest of the world. Please keep your hearts open and minds focused on the will of God. We thank you for your diligence and your committments emailed to continue to pray. We have so much work to do...lets not let up.

The first President Bush was criticized for being out of touch with ordinary Americans. Do people think Obama understands the problems of ordinary Americans? Yes -- 74 percent.Jimmy Carter was not considered a strong leader. Ronald Reagan was. Does the public think Obama is a strong leader? Yes -- 76 percent.

Richard Nixon turned out not to be honest and trustworthy. Do people think Obama is honest and trustworthy? Yes -- 74 percent. Is Obama the superpresident? So far, so good.But as the figures for previous presidents suggest, you can't always judge a president by his first 100 days.

There are yet, another 100 days approaching, lets stay focused! He may not be Superman, but we worship a Super-God!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Its being said that he works around the clock! His staff is working through weekends, Sundays as well as some of the president's long trips aboard Air Force One. It is known that the standard White House work day is nearly 16 hours a day!

Just this week, news of yet another recent White House resignation. The general term usually used is "for family reasons". That mantra is reverberated throughout the home on Pennsylvania Avenue quite often. Although a wonderful opportunity to serve in a presidential administration as well as surviving among the pools of influence and prestige are unmatched, the weight of the day to day pre-requisites dominate the corridors of the West Wing.

Reporters have commented frequently since the inauguration that this president, unlike the former President Bush, "burns the late hours" with his dedication to the job. "Even after we are informed that the President is done for the day, we often hang around the White House just in case....", said one reporter from the Gazette. What he's referring to is, each night the press secretary comes out to tell those reporters just hanging around in the event of a late breaking story that "the President has put a lid on it". What that means is, he's done, nothing else to come...you're free to go for the day.

However, these reporters have come to learn that, "the lid" doesn't stay on for very long. This is an active White House. News just broke this morning that the First Lady, Michelle Obama usually sneaks out of the White House with some of her staff to get burgers and visit some of the "fun places to eat". Although she said she sneaks away, that doesn't mean without her 6 car motorcade and security, but what that does mean is she sneaks away from the reporters. "I like Five Guys burgers", said Mrs. Obama yesterday at the White House.

Above all, I have added the photo to show that each evening, President Obama sits down in his private office in the residence after work to read 10 personal letters from everyday american who wrote to him of their concerns and wishes. He has requested that his staff pull 10 letters for him to read each night as "homework". Mr. Obama then personally writes those individuals a response in his own handwriting on White House stationary.

We ought to keep the prayers for this First Family coming with the same intensity inwhich they serve us. Faith is dead when we fail to act! Pray so that they may continue to find the strength to continue on in this effort that we have elected them to do.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

You think you have stress? Imagine if you were the President of these United States!

What if you had to have every an answer to every question ever asked? And what if that answer immediately became the law of the land; the new policy of the law...just because you said it. What if you could never be wrong about anything; things have always be right the first time you did anything? So you think you can be the president now?

Ever wondered why each minute of the day for the president is scripted down to every small detail? His life, his words, his way and character is the life-blood for millions. If he makes a mistake, or implies that he doesn't know the answer to a specific problem, he would be unable to effectively govern because no one would put their trust and confidence in him. Still want the job?

If for one moment, the president seems out of touch or out of the loop on various matters, how can they convince you to participate by paying taxes and helping your community if they don't know what it takes to do either of those things.

We hate for our leaders to appear over confident, yet, who would dare take this job and adopt these responsibilities each day unless they honestly believed, rather very heavily, in themselves.

This weight that they must carry, this nation that they must carry takes every thing out of them each and every day. It robs their families, their desires, theirs as well as their friends. It truly takes more than most would ever know to assume this office or any other of its calibur. This is why we are here! The White House Prayer Team is here to speak those mountains that might appear before our leadership and bring them down by the power of prayer.

Everytime we see them, they have to smile even if they don't want too. Why? Because if you think something is wrong, it may cause panic as well as indicate a lack of confidence on the POTUS' working schedule. See the posting entitled, "The Midnight Oils".

Okay, everyone knows its a tough job. We all are aware that there is an insurmountable sacrifice offered up. For what is offered, for all that is endured, we surely ought to pray for the sanity of the man, the sanctity of the office and the surity of the mission. You may just be a great president or a first lady, however, we now have an occupant who has inspired hope and personal dedication to family and community. Until it becomes your turn at bat, let us join together in locked arms and rally around the mission of the man.

The White House Prayer Team needs you to join up and get involved daily as we pray for this government. Visit us on facebook; "WhiteHousePrayer". Join in with us to bring the hope you elected into reality.

The legacy of George W. Bush continues to haunt President Obama's administration. Try as he might, the president is finding it difficult to close the books on Bush's presidency. Mr. Bush, someone personally once supported by many members of even this prayer team, lost some of his luster the moment it became apparent to his supporters that he only wanted their support, not their opinion.

That's the underlying message of the uproar over the release of Justice Department interrogation memos and the question of whether to prosecute Bush administration officials responsible for authorizing use of those harsh techniques. Having tried to find a way through this legal and political thicket, Obama has learned that cleaning up after Bush will be an ongoing challenge.

Obama ordered an end to the interrogation techniques in the first weeks of his presidency. Last week he authorized the release of Justice Department memos that provided the legal justification for employing those techniques. Administration officials declared that CIA officials who carried out the interrogations should not face prosecution. Case closed -- or so he hoped.Instead, the decision has stirred a major controversy on the right and left.

Conservatives have jumped on him. Obama has drawn sharp criticism from former vice president Dick Cheney, from former CIA directors and from Republican elected officials for releasing the memos. Obama argued that the United States had lost its moral bearings in its treatment of terrorist suspects. His critics see softness in the commander in chief.

The anger on the right was expected. But Obama faces equally strong reaction from the left, where there is a desire to punish Bush administration officials for their actions and to conduct a more thorough investigation of what happened, much in the way the 9-11 Commission investigated that episode.

Obama owes his presidency in part to this constituency, who rallied to him during the battle for the Democratic nomination because he presented himself as a staunch and early opponent of the war in Iraq. Now they are demanding that he acknowledge their point of view. Add to that the mixed signals emanating from the White House over the past few days over who should and who shouldn't face possible prosecution and Obama finds himself in the middle of a storm that may not pass quickly. He may be forced to yield more ground in the weeks ahead, as Congress and outside forces join the debate. At a minimum, he will not have quickly put the issue of torture and the Bush presidency behind him.

The former president took some personal time to himself on the morning of the Obama Inauguration to reflect (see photos above) on his legacy as well as his presidency. I'm sure anyone would need that time to detox from such an experience over nearly a decade of scripted and definitive actions. Regardless of what you or I may think of Mr. Bush, he is yet deserving of our prayers and support in his retirement.

Sometimes we conveniently forget our former thoughts regarding a certain matter. It was just as recent as 2004 in the runup to Mr. Bush's re-election, that many felt, "sure he's wrong, but at least he believes in what he's doing...even if no one else does". We gave him carte blanche; we felt his conviction was enough to keep the job that many american's once thought he had stolen just four years earlier.

Obama apparently believed he could avoid what is now happening. In the weeks during which he was weighing the release of the torture memos, there was a vigorous debate within his administration. There was, according to a senior official, considerable support among Obama's advisers for the creation of a 9-11 Commission-style investigation as an alternative to releasing the Justice Department memos. But Obama quashed it.

"His concern was that would ratchet the whole thing up," the official said. "His whole thing is, I banned all this. This chapter is over. What we don't need now is to become a sort of feeding frenzy where we go back and re-litigate all this."

Obama knew he could not stop Congress from doing whatever lawmakers decided to do but he was reluctant to give a presidential imprimatur to a national commission that would keep the controversy alive for months and months and months. Obama had his own agenda and wanted to move on. Putting out the memos was the cleanest way to accomplish his goal.

There was also a practical rationale for the White House to release the memos, according to officials. Much of the information contained in them was already in the public domain, in large part through an article in the New York Review of Books. Arguments that the release of the memos would compromise national security by providing a roadmap for enemies on U.S. interrogation techniques seemed less compelling given that the information was already publicly available.

That's where things stood when the administration released the information last week. In the subsequent four days, the administration did damage control. Obama went to CIA headquarters on Monday to defend his decision and to try to boost morale at the agency. Meanwhile, there was a backlash against the administration's seeming posture that no one should be prosecuted for what had happened under Bush.White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel contributed to the perception that this was the administration's position. Speaking on ABC's "This Week" on

Sunday, he said that neither the CIA officials who carried out the harsh interrogations nor the Justice Department officials who authorized them should be prosecuted.

"It's not the time to use our energy and our time in looking back [in] any sense of anger and retributions," he said. That was contrary to what the administration had signaled when the memos were released. At that time, it seemed clear that the authors of the legal justification could face legal problems, depending on a further review by Attorney General Eric Holder.

The legacy of George W. Bush continues to haunt President Obama's administration. Try as he might, the president is finding it difficult to close the books on Bush's presidency.

That's the underlying message of the uproar over the release of Justice Department interrogation memos and the question of whether to prosecute Bush administration officials responsible for authorizing use of those harsh techniques. Having tried to find a way through this legal and political thicket, Obama has learned that cleaning up after Bush will be an ongoing challenge.

Obama ordered an end to the interrogation techniques in the first weeks of his presidency. Last week he authorized the release of Justice Department memos that provided the legal justification for employing those techniques. Administration officials declared that CIA officials who carried out the interrogations should not face prosecution. Case closed -- or so he hoped.

Instead, the decision has stirred a major controversy on the right and left. Conservatives have jumped on him. Obama has drawn sharp criticism from former vice president Dick Cheney, from former CIA directors and from Republican elected officials for releasing the memos. Obama argued that the United States had lost its moral bearings in its treatment of terrorist suspects.

His critics see softness in the commander in chief.

The anger on the right was expected. But Obama faces equally strong reaction from the left, where there is a desire to punish Bush administration officials for their actions and to conduct a more thorough investigation of what happened, much in the way the 9-11 Commission investigated that episode.

Obama owes his presidency in part to this constituency, who rallied to him during the battle for the Democratic nomination because he presented himself as a staunch and early opponent of the war in Iraq. Now they are demanding that he acknowledge their point of view.

Add to that the mixed signals emanating from the White House over the past few days over who should and who shouldn't face possible prosecution and Obama finds himself in the middle of a storm that may not pass quickly. He may be forced to yield more ground in the weeks ahead, as Congress and outside forces join the debate. At a minimum, he will not have quickly put the issue of torture and the Bush presidency behind him.

Obama apparently believed he could avoid what is now happening. In the weeks during which he was weighing the release of the torture memos, there was a vigorous debate within his administration. There was, according to a senior official, considerable support among Obama's advisers for the creation of a 9-11 Commission-style investigation as an alternative to releasing the Justice Department memos. But Obama quashed it.

"His concern was that would ratchet the whole thing up," the official said. "His whole thing is, I banned all this. This chapter is over. What we don't need now is to become a sort of feeding frenzy where we go back and re-litigate all this."

Obama knew he could not stop Congress from doing whatever lawmakers decided to do but he was reluctant to give a presidential imprimatur to a national commission that would keep the controversy alive for months and months and months. Obama had his own agenda and wanted to move on. Putting out the memos was the cleanest way to accomplish his goal.

There was also a practical rationale for the White House to release the memos, according to officials. Much of the information contained in them was already in the public domain, in large part through an article in the New York Review of Books. Arguments that the release of the memos would compromise national security by providing a roadmap for enemies on U.S. interrogation techniques seemed less compelling given that the information was already publicly available.

That's where things stood when the administration released the information last week. In the subsequent four days, the administration did damage control. Obama went to CIA headquarters on Monday to defend his decision and to try to boost morale at the agency. Meanwhile, there was a backlash against the administration's seeming posture that no one should be prosecuted for what had happened under Bush.White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel contributed to the perception that this was the administration's position. Speaking on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, he said that neither the CIA officials who carried out the harsh interrogations nor the Justice Department officials who authorized them should be prosecuted. "It's not the time to use our energy and our time in looking back [in] any sense of anger and retributions," he said.

That was contrary to what the administration had signaled when the memos were released. At that time, it seemed clear that the authors of the legal justification could face legal problems, depending on a further review by Attorney General Eric Holder.

When Obama was pressed on this and other questions Tuesday, he said he was not prepared to rule out prosecutions of some of those responsible for setting the policy. What seemed to be off the table on Monday was suddenly back on. White House officials tried to say the president's words were not a change in policy but the headlines and the television commentary said otherwise.

Obama knows that Congress will do what Congress decides. He still opposes a national commission established through White House initiative, but has no control over how vigorously Congress may pursue these questions. In his comments Tuesday he tried to steer lawmakers away from partisan investigations, arguing that if anything were done, it should be with the cooperation of both parties.

The president has a full plate, domestically and internationally. He has signaled through words and actions that his presidency represents a break from his predecessor's. He had hoped that, in winning the election and moving quickly to change policies, especially in the area of foreign policy, he could close the books on the politics of the past.

Instead he has found in his first months how difficult that is. Hopes for an immediate change in tone have withered. Republican opposition to his economic policies remains nearly unanimous. Now, with this latest controversy, he is learning that neither the opponents nor the defenders of Bush's presidency are ready to move on.

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Today's Verse of the Day

"May the grace of God be with you"

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When Obama was pressed on this and other questions Tuesday, he said he was not prepared to rule out prosecutions of some of those responsible for setting the policy. What seemed to be off the table on Monday was suddenly back on. White House officials tried to say the president's words were not a change in policy but the headlines and the television commentary said otherwise.

Obama knows that Congress will do what Congress decides. He still opposes a national commission established through White House initiative, but has no control over how vigorously Congress may pursue these questions. In his comments Tuesday he tried to steer lawmakers away from partisan investigations, arguing that if anything were done, it should be with the cooperation of both parties.

The president has a full plate, domestically and internationally. He has signaled through words and actions that his presidency represents a break from his predecessor's. He had hoped that, in winning the election and moving quickly to change policies, especially in the area of foreign policy, he could close the books on the politics of the past.

Instead he has found in his first months how difficult that is. Hopes for an immediate change in tone have withered. Republican opposition to his economic policies remains nearly unanimous. Now, with this latest controversy, he is learning that neither the opponents nor the defenders of Bush's presidency are ready to move on.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

No news, but some color from the tree planting.Motorcade left the White House at 3:26 p.m. and arrived at the Seed School at 3:39 p.m. The bill signing in the school auditorium was open press. Motorcade then left the school at 4:38 p.m., passing through lower-income Washington neighborhoods that rarely see a president and that greeted this one with cheers along the route.

POTUS arrived at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens along the border with Maryland at 4:47 p.m.POTUS, VPOTUS, FLOTUS, FPOTUS (Former President of the United States Bill Clinton) and Jill Biden (sorry, there should be an acronym) all participated in a tree planting sponsored by the Student Conservation Association in a muddy marsh beside the Anacostia River at Kenilworth.

By the time they arrived, the men had all shucked their coats and ties. FLOTUS had wisely put on a pair of boots. POTUS had not.The dignitaries walked up to the site of the planting with arms around the student workers, who were all wearing T-shirts that said "SCA - Earth Day 09."

POTUS made sure to shake every student's hand, and then they all posed for a picture. The leader, Amtchat Edwards, then gave a little explanation. "This is a real life service project," he said, noting that they were planting trees to protect the river and, by extension, the entire watershed. He then staged a demonstration, calling on four of the students to play trees, with hands interlocked to simulate roots, another to play dirt and still another to play rain. "Great job, trees," VPOTUS said after it was over. "Dirt, you did a good job."As he looked around and contemplated the task before him, something struck POTUS. "Somebody forgot my boots," he said.

FPOTUS noted that his shoes didn't seem dirty yet. "See? You're light on your feet."POTUS said FPOTUS would go first since the former president had a fundraiser to get to. "I don't want him getting off scot-free," POTUS said.Several volunteers then showed FPOTUS where to dig to plant his tree as POTUS and the rest watched.

The student volunteers told FPOTUS to expose more space for the tree to grow. POTUS edged over to look at the hole he dug. "I just want to get in here [to see] so I don't screw it up," POTUS said.Then POTUS offered his assessment. "I think the president has pretty good shoveling skills," he said of FPOTUS.FPOTUS laughed, then noted that service is important to him. "I told them that's why I got into politics," he said.Edwards, the volunteer leader, said that Americorps, launched by FPOTUS, had helped a lot of people. FPOTUS nodded. "Thank you," he said. "You're a good man. Thank you for doing this for five years. It's great, isn't it?"

"Mr. President, I don't think you can do any better than that," POTUS said of the former's hole. He walked FPOTUS off and said goodbye. "Stay in touch," POTUS was overheard saying.Then it was time for everyone else to do their trees. FLOTUS picked out the biggest one there. "Look how big our tree is, honey," she called out. POTUS ended up with a smaller tree with purple flowers.

Somehow FPOTUS, rather than leaving, ended up planting yet another tree. Asked later by your pooler how come he was planting twice as many trees as anyone else, FPOTUS laughed and said, "Cuz I got twice as much experience as everyone else." He was a bit red in the face from the exertion but seemed to be enjoying himself. He noted that planting trees in Arkansas was like second nature. He said one of the volunteers told him, "You've done this before," to which he said he replied, "Oh, yeah.

"POTUS, on the other hand, did not look like he was having quite as much fun. He dutifully dug and chopped at the dirt with a pick-ax and helped plant his tree as per instruction, and he complimented the volunteers who helped him. But FLOTUS seemed to get into the program more enthusiastically, doffing her jacket, exposing those famous biceps and attacking the dirt with gusto while POTUS wandered over to watch.

"All right, you done good, sweetie," POTUS told FLOTUS as she continued to dig.And then your pool was ushered off as POTUS inspected his muddy shoes.The motorcade left Kenilworth at 5:26 p.m. and arrived back at the White House at 5:40 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

That is correct! Today will be the day when the Obama Administration is expected to announce the addition of Christopher Hill to serve as Iraq's U.S. Ambassador after getting clearance from the Senate on yesterday. Not without some controversy however.

Republicans led by Senators Sam Brownback of Kansas delayed a final vote on the nomination of Mr. Hill, a career diplomat with bipartisan support, after the Senate easily cleared an initial procedural hurdle on a 73 to 17 vote. Sixty votes were needed.

As you can see, the Embassy in Iraq under construction at the time this photo was taken is now opened and functional. As of December 31, 2008, the embassy officially moved out of the Republican Palace, the jewel of Baghdad’s government buildings and the headquarters of the American presence in Iraq since shortly after the invasion.

For months, officials and members of the support staff, adding up to 1,200 people in all, have been gradually moving into the new embassy, America’s largest in the world. The Congressional Research Service said the final cost was $736 million; the original estimate was $592 million.

As for those 1,200 embassy employees, the State Department initially was concerned that they woudn't have enough interest from volunteers to go and serve in the new embassy given the amount of violence in the region. Threats had been made to motivate many of the State employees to consider a stint under the new Ambassador. This we know for sure on the Prayer Team; we know that God is going to protect these employees and families as they depart on this diplomatic, yet dangerous assignment.

Mr. Brownback accused Mr. Hill of lying to him about earlier negotiations with North Korean over its nuclear program and of failing to move aggressively against North Korea on the question of human rights violations.

“This is a person that we now want to promote to the biggest diplomatic post we have in the world,” Mr. Brownback said. But other Republicans urged the Senate to move forward with Mr. Hill, saying his presence in Iraq was crucial.

“It is important to get our next ambassador in place as quickly as possible,’’ said Senator Richard Lugar of Indiana, senior Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, who praised Mr. Hill for agreeing to accept such a difficult assignment.

‘We need an ambassador in Iraq,” said Senator Saxby Chambliss, a conservative Georgia Republican who just returned from a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan. “We need it desperately.”Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said Mr. Hill, who has been an envoy in multiple hot spots, was following the instructions of the Bush administration when dealing with Korea.

We definitely need to make sure that we are in support of the Ambassador, Mr. Hill, as he too alike many of our military service men and women give of themselves. Keep Mr. Hill and his family lifted up before God so that even in this hostile territory, he may serve his nation with the wisdom of almighty God in a land that is yet to be deemed friendly through and through.

“This should not be a controversial nomination,” Mr. Kerry said. “There are very few American diplomats with more experience than Chris Hill where it matters most.”

President Barack Obama met Monday in the White House with golf star Tiger Woods, who got the lowdown on one of the commander in chief's poorer days on the golf course.

The president agreed to meet with Woods after learning the golfer was in town to promote his upcoming charity tournament in the Washington area, according to White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Gibbs told CNN that he had a brief meeting with Woods as well, and White House aide Marvin Nicholson decided to introduce the press secretary as "the guy who's taken the most money from the president while golfing."

The press secretary told Woods about a rare time during the presidential campaign when Obama, Gibbs, Nicholson and personal aide Reggie Love quietly had a fierce competition on a Nevada golf course.

"We snuck away to play golf late one afternoon," recalled Gibbs. "Reggie and I beat (Obama) and Marvin." But Gibbs was careful not to brag too much around Woods. "Given what he does, I wouldn't call what I do 'golfing,'" joked Gibbs. "He's the best in the world."

While Obama showed himself to be a pretty good golfer during his Hawaiian vacation during the presidential transition, his meeting with Woods was also expected to be a chance for two men who have shattered racial barriers in their respective fields to visit for a while on more serious matters.

As Woods recently fought it out in Augusta in his attempt to take the Masters', Former Secretary of State, Condolezza Rice blogged the event from a nearby green. Lets us thank God for our peaceful transitions of power which continue to serve as examples of democracies should emulate. As for Mr. Wood's visit to Pennsylvania Avenue on Monday, this young man has made for a wonderful role model and we thank God for him as his beautiful family. White House aides say Woods then stuck around for a tour of the West Wing, with photographers anxiously staking out the building hoping to get a glimpse.

Monday, April 20, 2009

In our research recently, some amazing finds were discovered. Imagine a life with no stairs or grand staircases. Is that even possible? Apparently so, considering there were no stairs built into The White House until the Truman renovations, (President Harry Truman gutted the entire White House in 1948).

Stairs have become such a commonplace fixture in contemporary architecture that it is easy to forget that they were known as "stairsteppes" as they were originally called, most people moved between building levels using ramps or ladders.

The same was true at the White House. While most Presidents were quite adept at negotiating the interior ladders, some found the arrangement unworkable. For that reason, President Benjamin Harrison had an elaborate system of winches and pulleys installed on the White House exterior.

Evening passers-by on Pennsylvania Avenue often could catch a glimpse of the President being hoisted to the window of his second floor bedroom. Indeed, those nightly episodes were the genesis of the campaign slogan, "Heave Ho for Harrison!" which the President used extensively during his unsuccessful 1893 campaign.

While the interior staircases at the White House were all installed during the Truman administration, the various exterior stairs were installed piecemeal, with the last being completed in February 1963.

If I could continue on and utilize the stairs of the White House as a metaphor, with each step built into this expansive residence and global headquarters of the U.S. presidency, the president also rises. Truman, was able to do something no other president before him had ever done before; acend with one step at a time.

2 Samuel 22:37 says "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me so that my feet (do) not slip". Our prayers for the leaders of our government is intended to enlarge their steps to prevent their slipping away from those unrightous deeds that plague the offices they hold. President Truman realized that the White House looked wonderful to the natural eye, but on the inside, the floor literally gave way under heavy furniture and many of the walls, nearly 150 years old, were leaning at the touch.

One of my favorite verses is one of King David's in Psalms 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord..." In this nation of democracy and order, we aim to elect those of good character and intention to represent us not only in this country but around the world. Going forward, this prayer team would encourage you to build on the monumental efforts accomplished during this past election cycle when by large majorities, the people of this nation elected its first african american to the presidency of the United States.

We need you to continue to perform your citizenry, help those who need it, share with those who do not have, feed those who are hungry as well as love those lack it. However, in all of your doing, pray for this White House and all that is expected to come down the stairs from the residential quarters and walk over to the Oval. Pray that every step he takes is ordered by the Lord. Believe God, that as his family follows behind him in places he trods, they too will serve as the examples our families in all corners of this country have come to hope for from them.

Every secretary, clerk, guard and house-keeping staff member will be blessed as they serve through the historical progress of this nation. With each new office holder, the country moves forward just as another step in the right direction. Progress. Where there were ramps and hoists, now there are 8 sets of staircases and 3 elevators.

Write to us and tell us some of the steps you have taken and how God has blessed you through the progress of your life. We've all had some hoists and spiraling ramps in our spiritual lives. Thank God for His mercy so that now the steps we take are "grand". Let me hear from you by email whitehouseprayer@live.com, or facebook by clicking the ad to your left on the home page.

Such a wonderful day in Washington last week as First Lady Michelle Obama planted her new kitchen garden out on the South Lawn of The White House with kitchen staff standing along side.

The weather was so nice in fact, that, after President Obama received his economic briefing and met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates in the Oval Office, the POTUS and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton decided to hold their 4:15 meeting out behind the White House—next to the swing set installed for the Obama girls in March.Striding out from the West Wing, the two seemed thick as thieves—smiling, Secretary Clinton casually swung her leg over the bench on the east side of the playground, and the president grinned and waved to gawking reporters and staff as he sat down across from her.

These two have come quite a long way from the primary fist-fight that erupted over 18 months of criss-crossing the nation for support for their separate presidential hopes. Prayer for their union and efforts seem to have fostered a wonderful professional friendship.

We want to encourage you to continue to lift up our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton as she continues to speak for the President around the world and travels to many of the dark places for peace.

This is the first meeting of the two former rivals since Obama returned from Turkey and Iraq

"Lord Protect Our Forces"

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